Bentonite clay has been used throughout history for its healing and therapeutic purposes. Although it was first introduced to the health and wellness field centuries ago, it is still popular today, thanks to its variety of uses. You can find bentonite clay at a wide range of health and wellness boutiques, and it is also available online, so it’s easy to get started with incorporating this versatile substance into your self-care repertoire. Here’s an overview of the many benefits associated with bentonite clay.
Detoxify Your Digestive System
Bentonite clay has been shown to be effective at removing harmful toxins from your digestive system. These toxins can contribute to gastrointestinal distress and other health complications, so it is important to keep your digestive tract as clean as possible. Slowing the spread of toxins in the digestive system also helps to promote health gut bacteria, as there are no more toxins to inhibit their growth. In addition to assisting with digestive health, this also helps to boost the immune system.
Promote pH Balance
A pH is a number that identifies whether a substance is acidic or alkaline. In your body, you don’t want the balance to sway too far in either direction, meaning that you should strive to maintain a healthy balance. Because many of us don’t get enough pH-balancing fruits and vegetables in our diets, this factor is incredibly important. Your body needs to have the right balance of vitamins and minerals to function at an optimal level, and bentonite clay can help to deliver those nutrients.
Resist Harmful Organisms
Since the advent of antibiotics and other medical treatments, bacteria that cause diseases have evolved to resist these medications, making them much harder to treat. Bentonite clay and other therapeutic clays have been shown to battle these antibiotic-resistant bacteria, helping to boost your overall health and reduce your reliance on chemical medications. This encourages your immune system to act on its own to fight off illness, rather than relying on medication to do its job. Over time, this can help to prevent you from getting sick in the first place.
Remove Fluoride from Water
Although fluoride is often touted for its benefits for dental health, ingesting too much of the substance can lead to health complications. Particularly in the developing brains of children. Most major municipalities now add fluoride to the public water system. So it can be a bit tricky to avoid this substance. Bentonite clay can be combined with magnesium to create a powerful water filtration effect. This helps to reduce the amount of fluoride that is present in your drinking water.
Treat Acne and Oily Skin
One of the most popular uses of bentonite clay is when mixed with yogurt as a therapeutic mask for the skin. It is particularly useful for those who suffer from oily skin and acne. The natural probiotics in the yogurt nourish the skin. The minerals in the clay help to draw out any oil and other residue from the skin, making it cleaner and healthier. This type of treatment can be used weekly to promote healthy skin. Or as a spot treatment when trouble areas arise.
Soothe Bug Bites, Poison Ivy, and Other Skin Irritations
Bug bites, poison ivy, and other skin irritations can be a pain to deal with, both literally and figuratively. Bentonite clay can help to soothe that irritation and help it to heal faster. Make a skin mask by mixing bentonite clay with water to form a paste, then apply to the affected area. To help it heal even faster, don’t wash off the paste after it dries. Cover the area with a bandage instead to enable your skin to soak in the healing properties.
Prevent Underarm Odor
There are many deodorants on the market. The vast majority of them contain aluminum, which can be harmful to your body when continuously absorbed over time. While there are some all-natural deodorants available. Many of them are not very effective. Bentonite clay, on the other hand, has moisture-absorbing properties, so it can help to reduce underarm wetness. When your underarms are dry, it is much more difficult for odor-causing bacteria to spread. So dusting bentonite clay under your arms and other areas where you sweat can help to prevent body odor.
Improve Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland produces hormones that help to regulate appetite and metabolism. When your thyroid function is out of whack, it can contribute to overeating and weight gain. In lab studies with rats, bentonite clay has been shown to absorb thyroid chemicals, helping to prevent hyperthyroidism. The results have not yet been replicated in human trials. It is still believed that bentonite clay can have a similar effect on humans. This would help us to maintain a healthy weight.
Boost Assimilation of Nutrients
It can be difficult for your body to absorb those nutrients efficiently. Even if you eat a healthy diet and take a daily multivitamin. This means many of the vitamins and minerals you consume are not actually absorbed into the body. When you are making a serious effort to get the nutrients you need, you don’t want them to go to waste by not being absorbed. Bentonite clay has magnetic properties. So it can help to draw the vitamins and minerals into your body so that they can do their jobs. As a bonus, bentonite clay itself is also packed with the minerals that your body needs.
Improve Oral Health
Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, as it is warm and moist virtually all of the time. This bacteria can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It can also lead to other illnesses when swallowed. Bentonite clay binds to the bacteria in your mouth and helps to remove it before it can be absorbed into your body. It is commonly found in all-natural toothpaste. It can also be mixed with water to create a daily rinse, similar to mouthwash.